Budget Bills to Fund Housing for California’s Homeless Sent to Governor

No Action on Governor’s By Right Proposal, Negotiations Will Continue in August

July 1, 2016

The Legislature on Thursday, June 30, sent Gov. Jerry Brown two budget trailer bills that will provide funding to support crisis and long-term housing for California’s homeless population. The Governor signed both bills on Friday.

AB 1618 (Committee on Budget) is implementing legislation for the No Place Like Home program, and AB 1622 (Committee on Budget) includes $10 million to provide transitional housing or shelter facilities for homeless veterans and $10 million to expand the Homeless Youth and Exploitation Program at the Office of Emergency Services.

These two measures passed Thursday are positive steps forward and cities should take the time over the next month to thank Senate pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and the bipartisan group of legislators who supported the bills.

Last November, the League identified housing affordability and chronic homelessness as priorities in the strategic goal setting process. Although there have been multiple proposals by the Legislature related to homelessness, some of those have been unhelpful and would have negatively impacted cities’ land use authority. The League appreciates the leadership of Sen. de León in taking a difficult and contentious discussion and finding a solution that local governments could support.

There remain several budget-related items that continue to be negotiated, including the Governor’s By Right budget proposal. The Legislature will be on its summer break until Aug. 1 and so no action is expected until legislators return. The League will continue to monitor the situation over the next month.